With the NBA season just days away, the New York Knicks are already dealing with injuries. Karl-Anthony Towns (quad), OG Anunoby (ankle), and Josh Hart (back) remain day-to-day, while Mitchell Robinson sits out under load management.
Head coach Mike Brown acknowledged the challenge of installing a new system with a depleted roster, but emphasized the need to adapt fast and grab early-season wins.
Even with those setbacks, the Knicks closed the preseason on a high note, beating the Charlotte Hornets 113-108 as Jalen Brunson dropped 31 points.
Still, the roster lacks frontcourt athleticism and defensive range, two areas a potential trade for Aaron Gordon could immediately strengthen.
THIS IS A PREDICTION, NOT A REPORT.
More NBA Content from TWSN
The Chicago Bulls Will be a Top-5 Team in the Eastern Conference
Does Joel Embiid Make Sense For 76ers Anymore?
The New York Knicks Will Have The Easiest Road To The Finals In NBA History
Aaron Gordon to the Knicks: Potential Trade Idea
New York Knicks Receive: Aaron Gordon
Denver Nuggets Receive: Josh Hart, Miles McBride
This deal gives both teams something they need: the Knicks get a defensive-minded forward with playoff experience, while the Nuggets gain depth, rebounding, and a young guard with defensive upside.
Why the Knicks Should Target Aaron Gordon
Aaron Gordon has earned a strong reputation in Denver as one of the NBA’s most versatile forwards. He’s known for locking down opponents, finishing above the rim, and steadily improving his shooting.
Over time, he’s evolved from a pure dunker into a complete, two-way player. During the 2024-25 regular season, he averaged 15.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while hitting 37.6% from three.
He elevated his game in the playoffs, shooting 49.6% from the field, 41% from deep, and over 90% from the line, clear proof that he thrives under pressure. His rebounding, defensive versatility, and clutch plays made him one of Denver’s most reliable contributors.
Gordon played a key role in Denver’s 2023 championship run, impacting the game at both ends. His experience in deep playoff battles and his readiness to take on elite scorers would inject veteran poise and a winning mindset into a Knicks roster aiming to break through.
What the Nuggets Get in Return
Josh Hart: The Ultimate Glue Guy
Josh Hart impacts winning in ways that don’t always make the highlight reels. He averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists last season while leading the NBA in minutes played, proof of his toughness and reliability.
Few guards rebound like Hart. He combines physical strength, smart positioning, and constant hustle to create extra possessions. He also reads the floor well, making him an underrated playmaker.
His versatility on defense and nonstop motor would blend perfectly with Denver’s style, especially alongside Nikola Jokic, who excels with teammates that move and think quickly.
Hart’s ability to defend multiple positions and dominate the glass could also help fill the void left by Aaron Gordon.
Miles McBride: A Defensive Spark
Miles McBride continues to grow, but his defensive instincts already set him apart. In 2024-25, he averaged 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting about 37% from deep. His quickness and effort allow him to pressure opposing guards and change the tempo of games, something Denver often needs against smaller, faster lineups.
McBride may not run an offense like a traditional point guard yet, but his defense, shooting, and energy make him a valuable piece off the bench. For Denver, his addition injects youth and intensity into the backcourt while strengthening their defensive identity.
New York’s Perspective
This trade strengthens the Knicks’ defense and adds frontcourt flexibility. Gordon’s athleticism and size blend naturally with Towns.
Giving up Hart and McBride would hurt their chemistry and energy, but the deal brings in playoff-tested defense and physicality that can elevate New York’s playoff ceiling.
The Knicks trade depth for talent, but if their goal is to challenge the East’s best, Gordon gives them exactly what they need.
Denver’s Perspective
This move helps the Nuggets balance their rotation and improve roster depth. Gordon’s $22.8 million salary for 2025-26 makes this a practical swap. Trading him for two reliable, lower-cost players in Hart and McBride frees up flexibility without sacrificing competitiveness.
Hart brings the grit, rebounding, and playmaking that Denver would value, while McBride adds defensive energy to the bench.
The Nuggets lose a high-level forward, but they gain two contributors who fit their system and strengthen their supporting cast.
